The University of Alabama men's basketball program has signed its highest-rated prospect in 16 years as guard Collin Sexton of Pebblebrook, Ga., chose the Crimson Tide.

Sexton is the No. 7 prospect in the country according to Rivals.com. He is the most highly-rated player to select Alabama since Gerald Wallace in 2000.

"Collin Sexton is a grade competitor whose take no prisoners style will make him an instant fan favorite," Rivals' basketball recruiting analyst Eric Bossi said. "I've always said he reminds me a little bit of Allen Iverson in that he's this skinny, explosive kid who isn't really a point guard and isn't really a shooting guard. He's just a super aggressive basketball player who always puts pressure on the defense because of his quickness and relentless toughness."

"At the end of the day, I think two things really helped to put Alabama over the top and that's being ahead of the game in targeting Sexton and relative proximity to home," Bossi said. "Certainly, Avery Johnson's NBA pedigree helped and I do think Sexton is a kid who has his eyes on possibly being one and done. But, getting in on him early and being proactive in his recruitment paid off huge for the Crimson Tide. Also, that his family can get to and from Tuscaloosa with relative ease was an added bonus."

Alabama still awaits a decision from the state's No. 1 prospect, shooting guard John Petty of Jemison High School in Huntsville. Crimson Tide head coach Avery Johnson is expected to discuss his full recruiting class on Friday.

Stay tuned to TideSports.com for more...